Vinesh Phogat Criticizes PT Usha, Claims Politics Influenced Her Hospital Visit
Vinesh Phogat Criticizes PT usha, Claims politics Influenced Her Hospital Visit
Nearly a month after her disqualification at the paris Olympics 2024, indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has openly criticized PT usha, President of the indian Olympic Association (IOA). Phogat accuses usha of using her hospital visit as a political maneuver, suggesting that the gesture was not genuine support but rather part of the political game surrounding her situation.
In a recent interview, Phogat expressed her frustration, saying, “When PT usha ma’am visited me, I was in the hospital. A picture was taken, but I’m not sure what kind of support I actually received from that visit. It felt like politics was at play behind the scenes, which is why I felt heartbroken.”
Phogat, who was hospitalized due to extreme weight-cutting measures in preparation for her gold-medal match against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt, was unable to make weight, leading to widespread disappointment as her Olympic dreams were dashed. She criticized the use of her hospital image for publicity, stating, “You’re in a vulnerable state, not knowing what’s happening with your life. You’re enduring a tough time, and then people use that to show support publicly without truly engaging with the situation.”
Following her Olympic ordeal, Phogat, along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, has joined the indian national congress (INC) party after resigning from their positions in Northern Railways.
The IOA had previously stated that their legal representatives were present to support Phogat during the appeal at the court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The IOA also criticized the IOC’s regulations as being excessively harsh, stating, “The situation involving Vinesh underscores the stringent and arguably inhumane regulations that do not consider the physical and psychological stresses data-faced by athletes, especially female athletes. This highlights the urgent need for more humane and equitable standards that prioritize the well-being of athletes,” as per an ioc statement released on august 14.
Nearly a month after her disqualification at the paris Olympics 2024, indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has openly criticized PT usha, President of the indian Olympic Association (IOA). Phogat accuses usha of using her hospital visit as a political maneuver, suggesting that the gesture was not genuine support but rather part of the political game surrounding her situation.
In a recent interview, Phogat expressed her frustration, saying, “When PT usha ma’am visited me, I was in the hospital. A picture was taken, but I’m not sure what kind of support I actually received from that visit. It felt like politics was at play behind the scenes, which is why I felt heartbroken.”
Phogat, who was hospitalized due to extreme weight-cutting measures in preparation for her gold-medal match against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt, was unable to make weight, leading to widespread disappointment as her Olympic dreams were dashed. She criticized the use of her hospital image for publicity, stating, “You’re in a vulnerable state, not knowing what’s happening with your life. You’re enduring a tough time, and then people use that to show support publicly without truly engaging with the situation.”
Following her Olympic ordeal, Phogat, along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, has joined the indian national congress (INC) party after resigning from their positions in Northern Railways.
The IOA had previously stated that their legal representatives were present to support Phogat during the appeal at the court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The IOA also criticized the IOC’s regulations as being excessively harsh, stating, “The situation involving Vinesh underscores the stringent and arguably inhumane regulations that do not consider the physical and psychological stresses data-faced by athletes, especially female athletes. This highlights the urgent need for more humane and equitable standards that prioritize the well-being of athletes,” as per an ioc statement released on august 14.